ITA Northeast Regional Championship Results
For the third consecutive season, members of the New York University women's tennis team have qualified for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Oracle Cup National Championships.
Competing on day three of the ITA Northeast Regional Championships on Monday, September 23, in Geneva, NY, the duo of junior
Anna Maria Buraya (Toronto, Canada/Bayview Glenn School) and freshman
Anastasiia Balyk (Odessa, Ukraine/Boca Prep International), defeated their opponents from Skidmore College en route to the doubles title and automatic qualification for the National Championships in Rome, GA, beginning October 17.
The Violet pair dropped the first set 6-2, but rebounded to take the next two 6-0 and 6-2, taking 11-straight games at one point.
"They got off to a slow start, but then stepped up and controlled the match," explained Head Coach
Horace Choy. "Anna has a lot of experience in big matches and Anastasiia shows amazing composure for a freshman. She has ice water in her veins."
Not to be outdone, freshman
Karina Jensrud (Olso, Norway/Laurel Springs School (Ojai, CA)) competed for the singles title and rallied in the finals to overtake Miriam Gandham of Vassar College 4-6, 7-5, 6-0.
"Karina showed a lot of resolve and resilience after a slow start," Choy said. "Her opponent had opportunities to close out in the second set, but Karina adapted her game and was able to pull out the close second. Then, the third set was pretty straight forward after that."
Jensrud had to win six matches in three days to capture the title, including victories over the last two champions as well as her teammate Buraya in the semifinals.
"Karina showed a lot of poise throughout the tournament," Choy added.
While Balyk and Jensrud will be competing at the National Championships for the first time, it will be the second appearance for Buraya, who earned All-America honors as a freshman after winning the ITA Northeast Regional singles title and finishing eighth at the National Championships.
"Outstanding performances by our players," Choy concluded. "To have three representatives at the National Championships is a great accomplishment."
